Christmas Joy

Last layout of the day. Don't be impressed, some of these I did a bit ago and just hadn't posted yet. I like this layout a lot, but you can barely read the title - I scratched it on with the EK Success transfer paper, it's better in real life then in the photo. Had fun 'piling' my pictures, also cutting my own stars and distressing the edges. It really is all about the stars lately, sorry. The journaling is very hard to read "Every year we make an effort to get down to AR to celebrate Grammy's birthday and family christmas. Ther kids really enjoy thier time with Rob's mom."

Help Yourself.

Totally and utterly a Heidi lift. But it just worked for me! Love these pictures of Sarah, she was just cracking me up that day! Giant HKS flower, even more giant button, some fun strips of patterned paper and a big cardstock circle. Love the edge distresser, everyone needs one. It relieves stress!

Never Growing Up.

Not in love with this page at all. But I tried a lot on it, so that's never a bad thing. Had fun with all my various star stamps and loving the stickles I picked up in Rockford. I even decorated the edge of my picture. Ha!

the Dr is in.

Today's page. I actually started it last night, but I'm slow. I'm looking at the finished result and thinking I found a lot of color inspiration from the new Jenni Bowlin kit, which I'm seriously tempted by. I've been on a big green kick the past 3 months or so.

A lot of craziness going on here, shocking, I know. Loving the green rick rack and the orange glitter T. Our pediatrician's name was Dr. T, so that's what that is about. Also had fun with my little orange star stickers, left over from last year's Simple Scrapbooks calendar. Love using things in succession like that. Had a blast stitching down my photo corners too, just for something completely different. The "IN" is stamped from the MM monograms and HKS giant foam stamps, with scrapworks orange rub-ons over top. Orange is in. :)

Sarah's room.

Well, I guess I forgot to take before pictures. Sorry. But trust me, it was hideous. Bright red (thinly coated - ack!) with a tan/yellow lower half and some frightening border. I promise you will find my house borderless. I still need to paint the trim work in here, but I've lost momentum. Hoping to pick back up tomorrow and start working on the kitchen. (dread creeps in)

Sarah's room is cute. The crib is a little displaced right now because she keeps turning the light on when I lay her down, so I had to move it away from that wall. She's a real pistol today. You know that verse in the Bible, the one about satan stalking about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour? That's Sarah right now. I know that's terrible, but she's just looking for trouble! She just wanders my house moving from disaster to disaster. I can barely keep up. She's napping right now and I'm enjoying the peace!

What reality show would you be on?

I'm not a big fan of reality shows. I miss good old well-written sitcoms. Where have all the Seinfields, Friends, and Frasiers gone? Reality tv is just lazy script writers with big pocket books. Plus, I think they are all rigged anyway, they hand pick people to antagonize other people to boost ratings. Interesting to see people at their worst though, and that's what a lot of it is.

To be on one? I'd do my own. Just following my drab life day to day. Like my blog, only with a camera. One one condition. I'd want my own stylist/make-up artist and a complete wardrobe. Heck, I want that anyway!

Every SAHM needs one of these bad boys.

Rob took this terrible picture of me last night, wearing my long over-due headset. We have unlimited long distance and my best friend lives 5 hours away. We talk every day for at least an hour. Most days we talk several times, just because we both have pre-schoolers and we can. I've been cranking my neck for 3 years now and finally I got sick of it and broke down and bought this. Sometimes it really amazes me what $15 can buy you. I love this thing. The only thing is that it's very reminiscent of MCI and I keep wanting to sell people long distance. ha!

master bedroom

I finally have it finished. Or at least almost. We still don't have a headboard, haven't decided how to resolve that issue. I'm still on the lookout for fabric, which is suprisingly much harder to find than you would think. I've bought two different pieces so far and niether worked. We are also still looking for a lamp for over the bed, we saw one we really liked at IKEA but of course, they were out of stock. So other than that, it's done. I really like it. A good change from what it was before, a grey pit of grey.

My Paris jounal.

Found this at B&N in Rockford. It has a plastic cover, figured that would repell coffee and the like. Yes, I said coffee. Finally starting to grow up and beginning to accept my fate as a coffee drinker. Of course, it's foo-foo coffee hopped up on sugar and creamer, but that's ok, right? I'm almost 27 you know, growing up can't be all bad. :)

So I had to scan the cover for you, it's so 80's retro, fast-paced. I look through the pages and it makes me want to scrapbook. I figure I'll be more inspired to write in it, and even more excited to scrap my experiences when I get home. Plus, there are all kinds of cute pictures and icons inside, they'll be great for embellishments, etc.

Really, almost ready to leave. I bought my 1 gig memory card and power adapter yesterday. I think I need a couple more travel-sized things (like the goofy guy in the Expedia commercial - that's me!) and to do a trial-run packing of my suitcase to make sure everything will fit. Very excited!

random things that God revealed to my heart this weekend

Target was pretty intense. God laid some things on my heart and I'd like to share them here, not so much for you, but more as a record for me.

* Worry about stuff that matters! (I worry about the little stuff all the time - but rarely have kingdom cares. Too self-consumed)

* Prioritizing my time with God alone. I can't do this by myself.

* REST. I need to learn to be still. Stop moving, rushing, working. Rob and I realized that I really never sit down. I get up and work and do so until the end of the day. I never take a day to just hang out, to chill and be me. This is necessary for me to stay healthy.

* More love - less trying to prove my point. Rely on God to correct those around me, and moreso to correct and instruct me.

* Surround Rob with prayer. I constantly encourage him vocally, but I need to back it up with prayer. His job is hard and he is attacked. I can help him through prayer more than anything. I can trust God to perfect him, as He is perfecting me.

* Give Rob leadership of our house. Stop trying to take it from him or steer him in my direction - subconciuosly or otherwise. He values my opinion too much, I need to be more careful with my influence.

Last, but not least. Are we still talking about trust? Really? Do we have to? After all these years? Has God ever let me down? Even when it's felt like He's failed me, time always proves otherwise. Wow. That is truth.

[this weekend in pictures]

This will be a short post. I'm tired. It's been a long weekend and I drove almost 300 miles today. Church is early. My kids were so happy to see us. We had Casey's pizza. It was great.

Three pictures from the weekend. The only ones we took. Sad, but we were that busy. The first is the sky on our drive north. See the star? I must be seeing stars everywhere, but we thought it was cool. The next is me on the phone. I really missed my unlimited long distance, and Rob's phone could be found pressed against my ear more often then his. The third is just a cute pic of Rob right before we left the hotel this am. We had a great time. So glad to be home safe.

Oh my humanity.

I had just typed a massive awesome post, seriously - links and everything, and accidently lost it. To err is human. right? I'm very human. Just for the record.

I was just sharing about all the neat things we've learned this weekend. Turns out Monty was just on a tangent and that wasn't the whole thrust of the conference - it's really been about taking the church outside of the walls. Important, but in our case (with our unchurched kids) we need to adequately prepare them first.

Listened to Sy Rogers a lot yesterday. He was a transexual, now a minister. I was so intrigued by his story. He shared a lot of the reasons people turn to sexual immorality, including christians. We chose to sit in several sessions of his, one of which discussing guarding against sexual sin in your own life - sharing the warning signs with us. He challenged us to talk about sexuality in the church, because the world is talking about it and we are the only ones not discussing it - yet it's just as big of a problem in the church as in the world. He talked a lot about wrestling with our humanity and working it out every day.

We alao heard Mike Yankoski. He is 22. Very mature and engaging and humble. Unusual for someone that age. He took 5 months out of college, between his sophomore and junior year, and became homeless. He shared his story with us. Talked to us about what we can do for the homeless in America. One major thing he shared, so simple, was keeping gift cards in your glove box, to give out when you see a homeless person. Not just the gift card for a warm meal, but a few moments of conversation, affirming their value. Rob and I feel like this would be a really good missions opportunity for our youth.

God is moving me towards compassion. We heard Bono (from U2) speaking to the President at the National Prayer Breakfast (on C-span) at the beginning of the month. He talked about giving 1% of the US budget to world hunger and poverty, explained how that one percent would end hunger altogether. Mentioned that many Christians (in a country that claims to be christian - when it's convienient and doesn't offend anyone) in the the US tithe ten percent, but the US doesn't even tithe 1%. I was very impressed with Bono's ability to speak the truth in love. It was a little unexpected from a rock star, if you know what I mean. I had always heard that U2 was a christian band but didn't fly the christian banner over their band. I assumed that they did that for financial reasons, but now I'm seeing their greater purpose, reaching a greater audience, allowing them more influence. I've always liked U2 - but usually their lyrics are a little "God-or-your-girlfriend" for me. Anyhoo, take a moment and read his speech. It's worth your time, I promise. Make a decision for yourself.

Funny, too, how I see God answering prayer in my life. Thinking about the issues I was struggling with last week and God's alread got most of them resolved. Amazing how He works. Still praying about HOF. Praying if it's His will for me, it will happen. If not that I have the grace to accept it graciously. Thankful that we can come to Him with anything. Do you ever think about that? No matter how large or trivial, He cares so intimately. I am thankful.

Ready for home. We are leaving a bit early to catch the kids before bed. We both really miss them. Otherwise tomorrow is Sunday and we don't get family time on Sunday. I just want to love on them. Also ready to bring all this info back into our church.

now we know

What you guys really like to talk about. I plod along on my blog every day, posting and wondering if anyone really reads it. But one little post about sex and you guys are commenting like there's no tomorrow. Duly noted. (now I really need to get going, we are going to be late!)

[too much information]

That's where I'm at this morning. The conference is going great. But I'm struggling with my usual - receiving more information than I can process. I took two pages of notes in last night's session and ran out of room. I'm bringing a notebook today.

The crazy thing is that I could be blogging right there in the general session. Yep, it's wi-fi-ed for all of us. They actually encourage it. You can tell that most yp's are young guys loving technology. I think it's a good idea, but don't know if it's outwayed by all the jabronies myspacing rather than blogging, or checking their email or whatever else. I'm taking notes old-fashioned style, but Rob's bringing the laptop to the next session.

Rob and I are in an unusual situation compared to most of the yp's here. They are all tired out, over-scheduled and needing recharged. We are just starting out, fired up and ready to do massive ministry - just at the beginning of our journey. "Journey" is one of the hundred dollar words at this event, along with 'culture' and 'highly caffeinated'. The point of this conference is taking the church out of the walls of the church - an awesome concept for any other youth group we've ever worked with, but our kids at HAG just aren't there yet. We have to disciple them first, give them some 'ethics' (another hot button word) to equip them to go out into the world.

Monty Hipp is talking a lot about how to reach kids, working with the government to do 'good work' and not shove Christianity down any one's throats. I think doing good work is all well and good, but if we aren't presenting the gospel then no one is getting saved, we are not spreading our light to the world, we are missing the message, the point. I'm honestly a little disappointed in the push in this conference, it's so watered down from what the AG has always been hard core on - spreading the gospel. In my opinion, there are lots of good people out there, but that's not what makes us Christians. I listen to the speakers and realize how old I am. I know that sounds funny, cause I'm 26 (almost 27) but I have the morals of a baby boomer. Not sure why, but both Rob and I are very much a part of the last generation, plus technology. It scares me, starting out in youth ministry when I already feel like we are already outdated. I pray that God can use us anyway. That we don't have to water down the truth. I feel like kids are searching for truth. I'm just not sure how to convince them that the bible is the truth that they are looking for. But that's not my job, that's God's job, we just need to be faithful in giving them that opportunity.

Now I've really monologued, but check the banner at the top and you'll know it's my perogative. I'm going to have to chew on this conference for a while. There are some really good things being said, but definitely some red flags to sit and ponder.

On a more personal note, Rob and I are having a wonderful time. We saw Narnia yesterday afternoon. It was wonderful. Rob was shocked at how much it was the Christ story, he had no idea. He said "It's like CS Lewis sat down and decided to write the Christ story for kids." Exactly. My mom read all the Narnia books to us out loud while we were young. It's very much a part of who I am. I can remember going in Mom's closet (my room didn't have one) and pressing my fingers past all her dresses and coats searching for a secret world. :) Instead I found my refuge in books.

We visited the scrapbook store in Janeville yesterday. It was good. Rob actually walked in and looked around with me, making comments and suggestions, helping me pick paper. The coolest thing I bought yesterday was a tiny globe stamp - $2.50. It will be so fun in my Paris album. Also found some paper and rub-ons. I'm excited to go home and play with Kim. I'm starting to miss my kids more, just cause I saw the DYD with his son, disciplining him in the hall. I was really thankful for Ginny being with ours, so we can really soak all this up.

Well, off to the next session.

[sex is the glue that holds a marriage together]

Wow. That got your attention, didn't it? (Mom, you may want to skip this entry) This is a direct quote from a book I found at B&N last night. Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman. Rob and I have always been big believers in picking up a christian sex book about once a year and just checking in on the status of this important part of our life together. The book is fab. I'm already on page 49. If you are married, I highly recommend it.

Anyhoo, I say all that to say that things between me and Rob have been a little less than perfect lately, and I realized this morning that it was because the past ten days or so that area of our life had been a little neglected. This book explains that your sex life sets the thermostat for the rest of your marriage, it's a direct indicator of where things are going. I want to encourage all you married ladies to take some time to invest in that area of your life, buy some new lingerie, invest in a good (christian) sex book [resist the urge to look in the 'relationships dept @ B&N - you'll be flabberghasted], try something new in the bedroom. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. A happy husband just makes life more fun. Here's to good sex!

Hey.... (said in gayest voice possible with a girly hand gesture)

It's the punch line to a joke Rob's mom told us last night. We've been laughing about it all day. "You know that movie, Brokeback Mountain? Do you know what the cowboys fed their horses?" Anyhoo, we found it funny and we've been saying "hay" to each other all day. But we are wierd like that.

You must like weird, because you're still reading!

Great day. Spent way too much money, but that's just us lately. Still working off of our 'approved' tax return purchases, so it's ok. Trying to finish up preparing for Paris - got my travel journal and french phrase book tonight. We were chilling at Barnes & Nobles with no kids and a couple foo-foo coffees, laughing about how this wasn't our life. We still think we belong in Ozark in a job we hated, getting ready to open camp again for the spring. We both have such a sense of relief, not having to deal with the pool this summer, but that's another entry in itself.

Anyhoo, the journal I found is very eighties/modern. Has blank and lined pages, lots of random travel icons and pictures and ticket stubs. Lots of potential. I want to journal a lot over there, since I'm sure I'll be bombarded with inspiration. The phrase book was inexpensive and looked very helpful. I'm sure the French people will cry when they hear me butcher their beautiful language, but at least I will make an effort. Getting very excited.

Hit IKEA this afternoon. Rob loved it. I didn't realize how tactile he is, touching everything, pulling out every drawer, opening every cabinet. He kept saying "I like this, we could do this, wouldn't this be cool?" It was very fun. We bought two small matching dressers for our master bedroom. I'm so excited to put that room back together. We also found a very pretty duvet cover and pillow shams, super reasonable. That's why I love IKEA. Even Rob, who pays no attention to prices whatsoever, realized how incredibly inexpensive everything was. He was stoked.

We bought a few other random things, trying to make it worth the 300 miles and $6 in tolls it took to get there. We made really good time and now we are settling in for a quiet night. Missing the kids in the tiniest way, but still so thankful for the peace and quiet. Well, I'm crazy cause it's late and I'm away with my hubby, so I'll catch you later!

cheater.

A new group. Still missing my Springfield girls. But tonight I taught a class for HAG (my secret acronym for Hartford Assembly of God - Kyndal, take this secret to your grave!) and the ladies loved it!! We wound up going two and a half hours, I think they could have gone longer. But we are leaving for Rockford in the am, and I have to finish packing and laundry. Oy Vey! (I'm sure that's not spelled right, but details, right?)

Seriously, they are really going to get into it, I can see it already. I feel bad, like I'm leading lambs to slaughter into this strange and wonderful hobby, so consuming! I can't help myself, I need some chronies. Plus, they asked me to teach tonight, it wasn't forced or anything.

Well, I'm wiped and I have loads of laundry to fold and packing to finish. Hopefully I'll find some internet to use in Rockford and keep you updated. Monty Hipp is speaking. He's awesome. And Sarah Kelly is leading worship. It should be pretty awesome. But best of all, tomorrow is IKEA day. THAT, my friends, will be awesome. I can't wait!!!

[do you think I use the word 'awesome' enough? Surely not.]

{this is the hat she'll see paris in}

Wow. Did I just say that? It's true! Not too far from now I'll be wandering Paris photographing everything in sight and pretending to understand the language. I'm getting really excited for this trip of a lifetime. Thanks Char!

What is that saying? "When the going gets rough, the tough go shopping!". That was me tonight. I went to the Mills with a purpose. I hit the Gap and I hit it hard, we wrestled and I won. Found a great pair of trousers and a really fun skirt - then like 6 or 7 shirts/camis/sweaters to swap out, so it makes several different outfits. I was in dire need of church clothes - especially with the (supposed) season change about to hit. I say that and it's 19 degrees here for the 6th day in a row or some such nonsense. My wardrobe was looking pretty lackluster. I got a lot of bang for my buck, most everything was half off or more. All in pretty grass greens and baby blues. I look like a Heidi Swapp line! Now I just need to find a fun pair of ballet flats for my skirt and I'm set. So excited to go to Rockford now with some new threads. Amazing what the Gap can do for your self image! I think I'm going to have Rob take a picture of me every day, so you can see my new duds! He enjoyed my fashion show tonight - so glad to have a hubby who cares what I wear!

I've been cleaning like crazy, getting my house ready because Rob's mom will be here tomorrow. I forget that I still need to post pictures of Sarah's room and the living room. It will likely be after Target, just because tomorrow is looking a bit harry. Any supper suggestions?

PS - my fun hat was $4.97. I figured it was worth it just for the pictures!!

today.

I was doing dishes and building a mental to-do list when I realized what a crappy blogger I've been lately. I started blogging in my head, while washing and rinsing. I've just been so consumed with bringing my house to life - everything else has fallen by the wayside. I used to have a hobby too, scrapbooking. But now I just lovingly glance at my studio as I breeze by lugging a can of paint or searching for the power drill.

It's getting there though. Our house is really taking on some personality, and thankfully, it's ours. I feel like all I do is paint and run to Lowe's, but it will be so worth it when I'm done. A home. Our home. I may never want to leave again.

I'm trying to get as much done as possible before Paris, which is so not far away. But my mom is coming that week and I want to show her a mostly finished house. We'll be in Rockford most of next week though, so it will be a loss as far as house is concerned, but great for RobNAnna. We need some time away. We've both been so focused since we moved. Really, before that even, getting school done and packed and moved here. whew. It will be so great to just relax together for a few days. Plus IKEA. woohoo.

The living room is totally together. Curtains hung, cabinet finished, furniture in place. The only thing we still want to do is find some pretty green plants, Lowe's had some great ones, but I'm waiting to find a planter at IKEA next week. I will take some pictures soon and get them up here for you to peruse.

Sarah's room is painted. Very pretty. I have to hang the curtains tomorrow still, but it looks great. Her pictures are all hung. She loves it. Eli's begging me to do his room next.

Long rough day. I'm wiped.

plodding along.

Do you ever just get to the point where you are just ready to send those kids to bed and call it a day? Man, I sure do. It's just been a really long day and long week and I'm ready for a break. I'm trying to convince Rob that I could run off to St. Louis in the am - I'm itching to go back to Red Lead. These kids have just been driving me crazy today and I get a whole night with them now. I'm thinking a 7pm bedtime sounds good. I know, I'm bad. Sarah just keeps yelling and screaming and saying "up" and I've been holding her for the last 2 hours or so. My arms are about to fall off. Which I'm tired anyway, I've been hanging curtains and doing laundry and painting all day. I'm almost done with the seconary cabinet that will go on top of the tv cabinet. It's going to hide the vcr and playstation, etc. I'll be thrilled to have it done.

The house smells awesome, I have a cheesecake baking for tomorrow's belated valentine's dinner at church. It's so tempting to cut out a slice for me and attach a note "I couldn't resist - sorry!". I haven't had my home-made cheesecake in a long time. It's a good thing Rob's already gone for the evening or I'd really be making a second one, it's his all-time fav. dessert, right next to strawberry shortcake.

I say all that and I just pulled out the cheesecake. It totally doesn't look right. Note that I have the oven from you-know-where. It doesn't cook things thoroughly but it burns everything. So I'm left with this half-raw, mostly scorched tortuous thing that doesn't resemble a cheesecake. Don't really know if I can bring it tomorrow night. Might find myself Schnuck-ing instead. Or brownies. Brownies are always a hit, right? Brownies sound yummy too. Mmmm.. Dessert just sounds good right now.

Well, hoping to finish up that chest tonight. Also hoping to paint my canvas's for the master bedroom. Just found out that IKEA carries fabric too - I had a hunch they did, so I'll find new headboard fabric for that too. Yippee. Really looking forward to some down time tonight. Hope it's productive.

{in honor of Brea}

My baby is 18 months old today. sigh. That went fast. I promise, I've treasured every moment of her babyhood. Rob and I are pretty certain that she's our last - just with my problematic pregnancies/deliveries. So, because I've known that for some time, I really tried to enjoy everything, not to wish it away. She's an amazing little girl and she brings us so much joy. So in honor of her today I'm going to tell you a little about her at 18 months.

Signs she uses:
elephant, giraffe, more (she uses this one A LOT!), please, thank you, choo-choo train, up, down, fish, flower, doggie, kitty, birdie, hi, blowing kisses, hair, where?, drink, eat, pacifier, all gone, hair, hat, banana, apple, cheerios

Words she says:
more, please, thank you, up, down, car, bye, ride, choo-choo (train), bop (pacifier, cookie, cereal, cheerios, bar, gummy, eye, ear, Mom, Dad, Yie-Yie (Elie), fish, dog, kitty, bird, out, bye, hi, go, cool, cute, yogurt, hat, jelly, bath, play, popcorn, pizza, kit kat (we just added that the other day), apple, grape, banana, Kim, walk, socks, shoes, cracker, pop (even though we don't let her drink it), coffee, No! (usually said in multiples - no, no, no), Yes, mine, pretty.

what she loves to do:
torture her brother, sing, watch American Idol (while singing along), dance, she loves worship at church when daddy's leading - she sings and dances and waves at Daddy - very cute, getting into trouble, opening cabinet doors, taking baths, pretending to put on make-up like Mommy, putting lotion on like Mommy, playing with her mini kitchen, snuggling, eating popcorn, play house in the tv box, wrestle, hunt through the cupboards looking for something to eat, watch little people, brush her hair and put on play jewelry.

seriously??

Shopping might just be my spiritual gift.

I gave it up - for so long. I mean, I did necessary shopping, walmart and of course, the staple scrapbook shopping. But nothing major, nothing frou-frou. But now, the flood gates have opened and I feel my addiction kicking in. It's terrible, putting this house together has been sOOOOOoo fun for me. I forgot how much and why I love Target. Found a great lamp for our master bedroom and clearance curtains. Truely, curtains for two windows at $30 including tax. Sweet!

I'm really excited because the master bedroom is finally getting to the original vision, after a week hiatus I am inspired again. The cheap curtains were a great jumping off point. We are hitting IKEA next Wednesday and I'm sooooo excited for it. They have super-inexpensive duvet covers there, so that will be fab for that room. And super-cheap chests of drawers - we need two. I need to find fabric to recover the headboard and we'll be set. So fun! Be glad to move on to the kitchen next!

cool light.

I recently bought this light at Walmart on clearance for $20. We actually bough two, one for my studio and one for Rob's office. I love it. The joint covers switch out in different colors. It's great natural light too. Lori, you are so going to want one! Kim, you too! Very stinking cool. It recharges an IPOD or Palm or cell phone, whatever. Just not mine yet because my charge cord is a USB too and has to be w/ the computer. But eventually I'll find a second one and it will be my iRiver's home.

happy valentine's day to Rob!

This is the card I made in honor of the day. Really, other than 6 loads of laundry (approximately) all I accomplished today. Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive. But we did have a great time. Dick and Jane was hilarious, laugh out loud funny. Great date movie. We enjoyed a slice of Casey's za on the way in and found Rob a used suit and additional sportcoat at a resale shop too. Sweet! Zonking out early tonight, I'm wiped!

If this doesn't get you in the mood for Valentine's day, I don't know what will.

I got up early this morning to make my family heart shaped pancakes in honor of the day. Rob cleaned up afterwards. Love that man!

who knew you could have so much fun with a lollipop?

We were killing time waiting for Rob today and I gave the kids lollipops. They were both so crazy. Eli kept making goofy faces and Sarah was sticking hers in her ear. Great fun.

early lovin' from my hubby.

Rob bought me this today. We found it on clearance at Target. I originally wanted an Ipod Nano - but this was way more bang for the buck. It's primarily for my Paris trip. Holds 5 gigs of music and pictures. Way excited to use it. Hard to tell, but it's red. How fun is that?

We are excited to be going on a date tomorrow night, our first V-day date in about 5 years, I think. It's not our best holiday, never has been. We are going to see Fun with Dick & Jane, can't wait!

{just for tea-berry}

Since she's my youngest reader I just had to share this picture for her to be excited over. Great seeing you guys!

Oh my long weekend.

I am so wiped out again. It's the good, happy, healthy wiped out that comes from doing what you really love until you just can't do any more. I say that and it's 3:28 in the afternoon and I have my thoughts on a co-written sermon left to finish and a game to plan and service to get enthused for. Yep, I said co-written sermon. Rob and I are tag-teaming it tonight, speaking on Modesty and Purity- Essential Characteristics of a Modern Day Christian. I have my half rough drafted - but it needs polishing. I'm so wiped out though, I needed to reboot my brain and blogging is generally a good way to accomplish that.

Great weekend. Gotta hand it to Kim, the girl sure can party. Sarah was an insaniac. She chose to boycott sleep most of Friday night and I'm still running on jet-lag from that. Had a blast visiting MudHouse and slurping up my favorite coffee/sugar/milk concoction. We stayed up way too late talking about everything under the sun with Rob - great conversation. I feel like God's really doing that in our lives lately, opening us up to amazing conversation with the people around us. Last nightafter we got home, Matt & Tiff came over to help move furniture and wound up staying a couple hours just chilling.

We visited my two favorite stores in Springfield, Forever Memories and Creations Unlimited. Shockingly enough, I spent too much on way cool things that totally inspire me. The coolest thing I bought was a massive star stamp from Hot Potatoes and another KI floral transparency. Also picked up some crazy green glitter glue and a handful of ric rac. Very excited to scrap. Hopefully tomorrow.

I hurt my wrist somehow. Probably schlepping furniture. I have carpal, so it doesn't take much to really bugger them up. But I had a hard time last night and cooking and everything today - especially wrestling Sarah to change her - has been tough. Please be praying about it for me, it's really a hassle having a handicap in this house.

Had a great visit with Karen. It was fun to shop with her. Sarah was being a real pill, so I felt bad we couldn't hang out more. She gave Rob a super cool book Taming the Liger - a devotional book about Napolean Dynamite. So sad how that movie is taking over our life!

Well, I had probably better get to my talk, time is ticking. Sure enjoying our furniture! Just as I typed that - someone stopped to pick up our old couch from the side of the road. Hope it blesses someone. I love our new living room. I'll post pictures later. Can't shake off this feeling of being super-blessed. I can't wait till tonight after youth. Rob and I are ordering a pizza and curling up for Grey's. woohoo. Might really post my sermon notes later too. Luckkeeeee.

a crazy picture of me.

Rob took this the other day and I wanted to share. All I can think is YMCA!

tv cabinet

Posting this quick picture to give you an idea of my fun cabinet. Picture a tv where the paper that says "TV goes here".

FURNITURE FRIDAY!

Can you tell I'm a little excited?? I can't wait to leave, I'm trying to talk Rob into leaving sooner than later, but we'll see. That whole job thing, always getting in the way. (tee-hee) I can't wait to see Kim. I can't wait for MUDHOUSE! I'm totally addicted to their mudpuddles. MMmmmmm. We are shopping at my favorite scrapbook stores tomorrow, so that will be fun too! And I'm going to see Karen! How exciting! And then we will pack up our lovely furniture and bring it to it's new home!

For the record, I solved my armoire issue. I was refinishing a dresser yesterday when inspiration hit me hard. ('bout knocked me over!) With all the drawers out, the one dresser would make such a cool furniture cabinet. SOOOOo, being the impatient girl I am, I painted the chest white with a deep green inside, and it's all ready for a tv (that we don't have, ha!). I'm going to Lowe's this am - since it's been awhile - I want to ask if I need to put some sort of sealant on it. Plus, I need to get curtains for the master bedroom. It's totally painted finally, but I need to put it back together now. Off to hang our headboard. I'll check in when we get home from Springfield.

a new blog for you to peruse...

My mom has joined the world of bloggers. Check her out here. She's just recently retired from 20+ years of ministry and is putting the finishing touches on her dream house. Hopefully she'll post some pictures for us to gawk at. I promise, if you read her blog you'll see where I get my flair for drama!

"and we'll go because it's Thursday and we'll wish everyone a happy Thursday."

Have I even mentioned that Thursday is my favorite day of the week? Not sure why... Maybe because it's just before Friday, the weekend is almost here but there's still time to finish up your work. ( I say that like weekends mean anything but more work for us!) Maybe it's because it's Rob's day off. Maybe because I like the "TH" sound rolling off my tongue or maybe it's just fun because Pooh Bear liked Thursdays. But most likely it's just because Thursday is ER night and that is a good thing in our house. Rob and I *always* watch ER. The only time we miss is if it's a re-run, but usually we watch the re-runs too! And tonight is a big night, because John Carter (Noah Wylie) is coming back and he's our favorite.

I say all that to say the popcorn is popping and the butters melting and I'm about to find my Dr Pepper and snuggle with my special guy and watch our favorite show. It's the next best thing to a date.

And tomorrow is furniture friday. Woohoo!

enamored.

This was Sarah this morning. She was so taken with the snow. Couldn't get enough of it. I know she was born in MO, but she's an Iowa girl at heart!

this is my husband.

Chucking a snow ball at me at 8am. What a way to wake up, eh? Oh well, still love him. Woke up to beautiful chunky snow, the kind that sticks to your eyelashes and makes you want snuggle close with the man you love! (We met in January, we love a good thick snowfall!)

My board at church.

I had way too much fun in church today, putting this baby together. It's so artsy. I'm wondering what Rob will think! Obviously, all the papers on it are not my inspiration, it just needs to be a message center, but I wanted to snaz it up a bit. Hope Pastor Ed likes it!

(PS - the board approved the van! Springfield here we come!)

Love this Man.

Yesterday's page. I never got around to putting it up. Needless to say, I didn't finish everything on my to-do list, it was way too big. But I did finish my bulletin board (will post a pic here shortly) and finished the laundry and managed to make a hot supper for the jabronies that occupy my house! Still have lots to do - gettting ready to empty the master bedroom. I did manage to get my headboard made yesterday - it turned out sweet, I'm way proud of myself.

Back to the page, very random, not really loving it, but it works. Love the pictures of Rob and Sarah. Loving my MM monogram stamps.

Just checking in.

I'm a little insane to be blogging right now. There is so much to do around here, it's crazy. That super-overwhelmed feeling is sinking in again, but I keep trying to tell myself it's all fun stuff, nothing miserable. I'm thinking of taking a tiny bit of me time this morning, while Eli's at school and Brea's sleeping. There's so much to do around the house, but some scrapbooking might give me a sliver of perspective.

I was just eating my breakfast (townhouse crackers and a dp - terrible, I know) and decided to check in here really quick, so you don't all think I've died lately. I say that as though I have some incredibly large audience and the reality is that there are about four readers out there, but whatever.

I've been thinking a lot. Painting gives you a lot of thinking time. We are so incredibly blessed right now. I keep pinching myself and asking "Is this our life?" because it's just surreal. I told Rob yesterday that I had gotten to a point in Ozark that I was wondering if my misery was even situational anymore, since it had been so long-standing. Sure enough, it was. I'm thrilled to find that I'm still happy glass-is-half-full Anna - only a bit more weathered than pre-MO condition. I can still find joy in the little things and I really love my life. Whew!

Today's to-do list:

* finish laundry (ack!)
* finish removing color and re-dying douvet cover - already in process. I'm going a deep chocolate for the master bedroom. (oooh, romantic!)
* actually FEED my family at some point today - something other than PB&J.
* prep the master bedroom for painting.
* have Rob help me move the furniture from that room.
* write thank-yous for Eli's birthday party. (2 weeks later - ergh!)
* decorate the bulletin board over at church. (they found out I scrapbook, so that's on my job list now - fun for me!)
* maybe run to O'Fallon and look for some material for the headboard, and MAYBE put it together just because that sounds like so much fun!

Yeah, I'm pretty much crazy. But you all knew that anyhoo. Have a great day. I know I will!

The NEW living room.

Just waiting for the furniture and some fun accents. I'm thinking of live plants. Looking for an armoire too. I'd like to put it in that corner where the tv currently is. Trying to stretch our tax return as far as possible. :)

Considering this armoire. Any opinions? I'm SOOOOOO excited for my new furniture, can you tell?

before photos - living room/office/entry

This was my crazy blue living room, before the weekend. When we actually interviewed for the job, there were hooks every three feet across the top of the walls, with white gauzy fabric hung from it. It literally looked like we were floating in a cloud. Rob had a fun time removing all the hooks and spackling those holes, let me tell you!

My completed dining room and hall. The color is still a teensy bit loud, but I like it. Now to just make it work with the kitchen and living room.

Recovering from the weekend.

Wow. I am so stinking exhausted again. We've just been running so hard. I was planning on starting my bedroom painting tomorrow, but instead I think I will take the day off. Or do some light shopping. Anything but paint, that's for sure. My back is just done for - spina bifida and massive painting don't really mix - just for the record.

We've had such a long weekend. I never realized how exhasting weekends would be now that Rob is a pastor. I hope he eventually decides to move his day off to Monday, just so we can recoup. Friday night we went out with another couple to get all the supplies for our Superbowl party. We had a really good time, but it was a late night and after I had painted all day. Saturday started with a prayer breakfast, then I had a youth over to help paint and for lunch, then we spent the rest of the day putting the living room / dining room back together. I sacked out pretty early last night and hit the ground running this morning with sunday school and service. We came home and ate lunch and hurried around to get ready for the superbowl party, which started at 5 and is still going, I had to get the kids to bed so I'm hear trying not to konk before Rob gets back. He's running all the kids home after the game.

I love our new job. It's taking some adjustment, but it's so us and I know we are going to be really good at it, once we work out the kinks.

This should be a good week for us. We are really excited to go to Springfield and see our pal and pick up our furniture. I was daydreaming about going to the Mills too, just cause we haven't been in a long time. We'll see what Rob thinks. I'm hoping to get the master bedroom painted, but we'll see. I also finally have a vision for the kitchen, I'm thinking red walls with white trim and beige cabinets, then going with red accent pieces too. Very excited to finally have some direction in that room, but it will be atrocious removing all that horrid green ivy wall paper. details.

Well, I'm going to go because I'm probably not making any sense at all. I really will post some pics tomorrow. The camera is still at the church with Rob. I took a ton of pictures tonight, so that should be fun!

So I'm a crappy blogger.

As of late - but I'm a super painter! We finished the living room today, AND got it back together, everything but the kids videos. I'm not sure where to put them, we'd like to get an armoire for a new tv and put them in there, but we'll have to wait and see at this point. Now I just have to sit on my hands and wait until next weekend to retrieve my furniture! And pray that the board approves us borrowing the church van for the trip. I am so excited about our house, it's really starting to take shape. I'll start work on the master bedroom on Monday probably, after ANOTHER trip to Lowe's. It's really bad, I'm starting to recognize all the paint guys there. :)

So my living room is a lovely linen color, with beautiful white trim. No curtains yet, not sure what direction to go there, so the mini-blinds are hanging out for now. A big disappointment though, I was vacuuming out the air returns/vents today and peaked under the carpet only to find plywood floors. Bummer dude, there goes my daydreams about refinishing wood floors!! Unfortunately, our carpet is kind of atrocious, but at least it's clean.

Well, I'm totally wiped. We have church in the morning and a massive super bowl party for the kids tomorrow night, I'm helping all afternoon with food, so that should be fun or exhausting or both. Just about ready to find my bed. I know it's eight, but I've earned it. I'll try and post living room pictures tomorrow.

catching up with old friends.

So it's good to know that one of my new years reso's are happening. I'm finally reconnecting with alot of important people from my past. It's been great.

Anyhoo, my highshool/jr high buddy, James described me as quixotic and since I didn't know what that meant I felt the need to share.

quix·ot·ic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kwk-stk) also quix·ot·i·cal (--kl)adj.
Caught up in the romance of noble deeds and the pursuit of unreachable goals; idealistic without regard to practicality.

Sounds painfully accurate to me!

5th birthday party.

Last page from yesterday, finished it at 11pm, but I love it!! It was very Elsie-inspired, a page from the Top Ten issue - but it just came together. Joyce gave me this giant picture from Eli's party, which is great, but Sarah looks terrible and I just didn't have the heart to put it up anywhere in the house, so into the scrapbook it goes!

Had a lot of fun with the nothing but numbers Making Memories stickers. I've had these since we moved here, but I didn't realize they are CARDSTOCK stickers and I'm in love because you can sand them, paint them, distress them, whatever! Also had fun painting up my HKS chipboard with a funky look. Used the MOD epoxy circles too, LOVE THEM!

On an aside, I finished my hallway today, even the trim, which brings me down to 7 rooms and one hallway. Whew...

Happy Birthday Char

Last page of the day. I've actually started number five, it's well on it's way, but I won't finish it until later. Having a blast though!

This page is super-simple, but I had fun with that title technique again. Used another ghost frame and my fun silhouettes w/ ribbon tied in the centers and rub-ons underneat. Love the groove I'm in, can't wait till after church to resume!

5

Probably my favorite layout of the day. This sketch is from one of Heidi's in her catalog, I printed them off ages ago and haven't ever used them, but it worked well for these pictures from Eli's birthday party.
This is a crazy bright page, but he's five so I can get away with it!
Love the HKS frame here and the new Rhonna Ferhar (sp?) paper.

Remember the Wonder of the Season

Most of you recognize this from my christmas email. I just love this picture of Sarah with her little people nativity. I did a page in my calendar with this picture too. The title was inspired by a plate I had seen at the Family Bookstore in the mall. Very simple, I used the technique later today too. It's just my handwriting and a bit of acrylic paint. The paper is Wild Asparagus.

treasure {moments} together

I put away my paint brush for a day of rest, and scrapbooking! Every girl needs some down time. I had page planned a couple nights ago, so I was on fire this afternoon. This paper is really funky, a hand made type thing with these raised metallic stars all over it. For a dollar I was intrigued and had to try it. Really into stitching these days, and cut the giant star out of Chatterbox cardstock freehand. Sorry the pictures look so dark, they aren't that dark in real life.

Crazy Me!

I forgot a before picture! The dining room means nothing if you don't see the before picture. YES, it really was this atrocious blue and white combo, but worse with a nineties garish mauve and navy blue 'old world' border.

THREE coats of primer and TWO coats of white paint (garlic clove, technically) later, it's beautiful. But I never want to see a bit of dark blue trim again! ACK!

It is finished.

Another room done. Only 42 to go. Just kidding, it's more like 7 and two hallways. Totally achievable, right? Probably not before Paris, but I can at least get a big chunk done. Tomorrow I am going to tackle downstairs hallway, leading from the dining room to the master bedroom/bath. I already have it primed, so it shouldn't be too bad. I was originally going to paint it while I did the dining room, but I hesitated about painting it mustard, since there is no light in that hallway. But now that the dining room is finished I know it has to be mustard - it just needs that kick! There is a great closet at the end and two doors, so lots of light will still get through.

I love this room. It's so warm and cheerful. Very comfortable, but just formal enough for company. Rob loves it too. He said it's a very modern color, but it's so us. I'm calling my house's style Modern Traditional. Not sure if that's really a style, but it's mine. I'm trying to embrace the structure's clean lines and original woodwork, but with funky fresh colors and lots of little details. Plus, it has to be kid friendly and baby proof. I'm so excited, with this second room I feel like I have a grasp of where the house it going.